TC`s build thread.

[GTX]

I assume you are doing a NMF (or similar) Hunter - if so, don't forget the radome on the nose + the other aerials will be black:




I'm not sure if there are other elements you need to watch for.

Regards,

Greg

[tc2324]

Many thanks for the info Greg. Spent yesterday updating the paint job to match but got it finished and with no further a do, here is my rendition of how a Hawker Hunter FGA.9 may have looked when in service with the USAF in the early 70`s.









I will wait for the sun to arrive so I can get the `outside` shots done for the backstory.

[Stargazer]

Cool! 

[Cobra]

Super Sweet You just answered a Question i've wondered for a Long Time,How would a Hunter look in USAF Markings? You Answered that! Thanks. :cheers:Dan

[Taiidantomcat]

Almost too good 

[GTX]

Looks good!

Regards,

Greg

[pyro-manic]

Sexytastic! A gorgeous machine in a gorgeous scheme.

[tc2324]

Cheers for all the comments guys, (and also the help..)

Time to wrap this one up so here is the backstory and presentation pictures.

In March 1969 the US air force had put out a requirement for an advanced Forward Air Controller jet aircraft. They were looking for a sub sonic jet aircraft that could, if needed, be able to deliver a reasonable payload in the target area, while being fast and nimble enough to evade Anti Aircraft defences and enemy interceptors.

With the recent success of the Hunter FGA.9 and exporting it to a number of countries, Hawker jumped at the chance to add the United States to their client list. Similar to the RAF version, the FGA.82 was modified internally so that an American avionics suite could be fitted to their needs.

In May 1970 a pre production prototype was officially handed over to the United States Air Force for evaluation purposes. The testing was completed by December 1970 and 12 aircraft were ordered for delivery to the 25th Fighter Squadron of the 51st Fighter wing.

Unfortunately, Hawker and their Hunter had a short lived affair with the USAF and further Hunters were cancelled when news reached them of the future introduction of the A-10 by the mid 70`s.

The last Hunter flight in USAF service was in 1975. The colour and black and white pictures below commemorate the last operational flight of the Hunter and show this aircraft fitted with the newly introduced Maverick air to ground missile.

[philp]

Like it.  You could have went a little earlier and added some yellow bands around the wings and fuselage.

[tc2324]

Like it.  You could have went a little earlier and added some yellow bands around the wings and fuselage.

Cheers Phil. I did think about it. Maybe later....

Started sorting out a few bits and pieces for my next `whif` build Which will be a `Super` JP. So far I have made some very basic `cuts` to the airframe to accomadate an afterburning engine. The aircraft will also get a T-tail, (and thats not for the washing up...), which in turn meant I had to make a cut in the elevators so that the rudder could move. Also looking at giving this wing tip mounted AAM missile launch rails. Pics so far. Got a backstory already planned for this but I may need some help with one minor, (or major, depending on how you look at it), detail. Can anyone tell me what the smallest afterburning engine would have been in the late 80`s?

[pyro-manic]

What about an Adour, as fitted to the Jags?

[Ed S]

Or the J-85 in the T-38/F-5 series.

Ed

[tc2324]

Cheers for the info chaps.

Today I tackled the issue of the engine. I need to extend the fuselage and found a 1/48 500lbs bomb sitting in my spares box. After lobbing off the ends it all seemed to fit nicely. Filed and smoothed off the ends and stuck into position.





Then it was just a case of doing some filling of the gaps. I now need to let this dry out and set prior to smoothing off. I may need to do a second application of filler but I`ll have to wait and see.

[tc2324]

Update for today. Bulk of the model is made. Weapons done, u/c done, primer done. I did think this kit would have a very quick turn around as the modifacations were reasonably simple. Boy, was I wrong.

[Taiidantomcat]

I did think this kit would have a very quick turn around as the modifacations were reasonably simple. Boy, was I wrong.

That should be my modeling motto... in fact it would make an appropriate tattoo!  Ordnance looks great though!